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BLACKSTAFF’s Dark Tale: New EP Arrives in July
Drowner
Seattle-based blackened doom metal project BLACKSTAFF is preparing to unveil its new EP, Drowner, on July 10th. Operating as a one-man endeavor, the project merges dark fantasy storytelling with a crushing and oppressive musical atmosphere on its latest release.
Founded in the Cascade Mountains region of Washington State in 2022, BLACKSTAFF revolves around the creative vision of multi-instrumentalist Dustin Cleary. Channeling his passion for horror and fantasy literature into music, Cleary draws inspiration from mythology, roleplaying games, and fantastical worlds that have fascinated him for years, aiming to craft a new narrative with every release.
The project's musical identity is not confined to a single extreme metal template. Moving across a broad spectrum—from weighty doom riffs and blast beat-driven aggressive passages to atmospheric electronic textures and dense vocal layers—BLACKSTAFF embraces a dynamic approach shaped by the needs of the story being told. In Cleary’s songwriting, powerful riffs and memorable climactic moments take precedence over traditional black or death metal conventions.
Drowner centers around a dark narrative built upon the ghostly lights said to wander the depths of swamps. The story follows the fate of victims lured by mysterious lights that ensnare travelers who lose their way in the night. One of the EP’s standout tracks, “Flesh Golem,” focuses on one of the tale’s most disturbing chapters, pushing its sense of horror even further.
According to Cleary, the goal with this release was to make the songs flow together not as separate compositions, but as interconnected parts of a larger whole. While this approach draws inspiration from notable figures within the progressive rock tradition, the musical foundation remains firmly rooted in blackened doom and death metal.
Recorded at Dark Stick Studio, Drowner will be released on digital platforms following the completion of its mixing and mastering stages. A physical CD edition is also planned for a later date.
Drowner – Track Listing
Swamp Lights / Drowner
Godlike
Flesh Golem
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